MP Makhashvili: Removal of Usmanov and Fridman from sanctions list shows everyone looks after their national interests

“This is a textbook example of the fact that everyone has their own interests and looks after their national interests,” Levan Makhashvili, Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s European Integration Committee, said when asked what the removal of Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU sanctions list means in the Georgian context, given that the decision was explained by the interests of EU member states.

“No matter how difficult the situation is, everyone has their own interests and acts accordingly. This is precisely what Georgia tells its partners: our country has its own interests, and failing to take them into account is not a trivial matter — we could lose the state because of it. This case also clearly shows our society that everyone looks after their own interests. Someone may blame Georgia for everything, but, with all due respect, the country looks after its own national interests,” Makhashvili said.

The European Union has removed Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list against Russia.